6 Steps to Planning Your Small Wedding in Atlanta

Whether you prefer to have a small and intimate wedding ceremony, or are on a somewhat limited budget—you may not be sure where to begin when planning your wedding. The six tips below will help you to plan a small wedding or a romantic getaway in Atlanta.

Determine Your Budget

Even if your budget is fairly substantial, you still need to identify the maximum amount you want to invest in your special day. After you determine your budget, create a list of the traditional expenses associated with weddings—and set a budget for what you can spend for each line item. Whether your wedding is fairly traditional, or non-traditional—some of the standard expenses include:

These are some of the standard wedding expenses, and you may be surprised to find that they add up much faster than you imagine—so leave some breathing room in your budget.

Create Your Guest List

Now that you have a budget in place, it is time to create your guest list. You must determine specifically who you will be inviting before you begin searching for venues. While you may think that you want no more than 30 guest in attendance, that is only 15 people per bride and groom—and those slots will fill up quickly. It can be tricky narrowing down exactly who to invite to your small wedding in Atlanta, but you have to start somewhere. Keep in mind that your budget will play a big role in how many guests you will be able to afford to invite to your ceremony and reception.

Consider If You Want a Small Wedding, But a Large Reception

If your motivation for having a small wedding in Atlanta is that you prefer to exchange your vows in an intimate setting, you may still want to celebrate your wedding with a larger group of friends and family. For this reason, you may want to invite a larger group of people to your engagement party, rehearsal dinner, wedding reception—or other pre and post-wedding events. This is the perfect way to include those whose feeling you don’t want to hurt, but will not be invited to the ceremony. This is perfect for extended family, colleagues, and friends who are still friends—but who you don’t see or speak to with frequency.

Begin Searching For Venues

Now that you have determined how many guests will be in attendance, you can begin searching for wedding venues. If you and your betrothed prefer a traditional religious ceremony, you may be planning to have your wedding in your local church. However, your church may not have adequate space for your rehearsal dinner, reception, or other wedding events. If you are not committed to holding your wedding in a church, consider hotels in Atlanta with romance packages. Many hotels offer all-inclusive wedding packages, as well as packages that can be fully customized. Even if you marry in an outside wedding venue—all other wedding events can be held at the hotel. You can even access hotel room discounts and group transportation for those traveling from out of town.

Identify The Services That The Venue Does Not Provide

Once you have found the perfect wedding venue, it is time to identify the services that the venue does not provide—or the services you would prefer to outsource. For example, although a romantic hotel in Atlanta may provide catering, you may have your heart set on catering from a specific local restaurant. Also keep in mind that while many venues provide decorations, you will likely require a florist for the bridal party bouquets, boutonnieres, and for table centerpieces. Always check with your chosen hotel to see if they allow outside caterers.

Decide On Your Honeymoon Location

If you are hosting a destination wedding in Atlanta, then you must identify a romantic hotel. Search for a hotel in Atlanta with romance packages, who provide more than just a honeymoon suite. Packages can include romantic activities such as couples massage, romantic excursions, and romantic meals designed for two. If you will be getting married in Atlanta, but plan to honeymoon elsewhere—you will still want to find a romantic hotel for the night of your wedding. When selecting your honeymoon location, consider if it is a place that offers the excursions, activities, and level of romance you and your betrothed desire. Unlike most vacations, you may plan to spend more time in your hotel room ordering room service than on a traditional vacation—so the room must be just right. That being said, you want to ensure activities, that you both enjoy, will be easy to access when you do venture out and about. Consider searching for honeymoon packages—as well as trips to a destination you can both agree upon.

The six tips above will help you to plan the small wedding of your dreams. To save time, stress, and money—search for wedding packages offered by the many romantic hotels in Atlanta. If you will be marrying in nearby Georgia, consider a romantic getaway in Atlanta for your honeymoon.

For an Atlanta hotel like no other, make arrangements to have your wedding hosted by the luxurious Ellis Hotel. Downtown Atlanta’s premier boutique hotel, the Ellis provides their wedding guests with unprecedented elegance and style in their stunning new wedding venue. Best of all, the setting the date for your big day at the Ellis Hotel means that the hotel is especially reserved for your event, giving you unlimited access to the personalized hospitality from their caring staff. Take advantage of our group rates for your wedding and contact the Ellis today!